Thursday, 11 February 2021 - 10:25
There are various opinions regarding the intervention of Gampaha District Forest Officer Devani Jayathilaka to protect the plant which has been identified as the oldest surviving Crudia zeylanica plant in the world.
Some accused her of trying to emerge in an unwarranted manner without realizing her powers. Minister C.B. Mr. Ratnayake had also stated in Parliament.
Did Devani Jayathilaka go beyond the limits of her powers?
Environmental lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardena has posted a special note on his Facebook account regarding her powers to protect the environment.
The full text is below. One of the most talked-about incidents these days is the intervention of Gampaha Divisional Forest Officer Devani Jayatilake of the Forest Department to save the Crudia zeylanica tree last Sunday.